Tata Safari2.2 DiCOR 4X4

The Tata Safari now comes with a new and improved 2.2 DiCOR. The Safari has had several engine changes in the past, including two diesels and a petrol, but the new engine on the new Safari on is definitely the one th at has most potential. In fact, the 2.2 has already been launched in Europe and Tata also plans to power all its future SUVs with this engine.

Clearly, the 2.2 is an important motor for the company. In fact, the focus on the European markets has ensured that the engine was built to meet Euro IV emission standards, feel more refined and also perform more efficiently.

On the outside, not much has changed besides a thick bar that splits the grille in half. The new wheel cover at the rear is a nice addition and the bumper has been slightly changed as well. Overall, the Safari still looks good. Once you get inside and into the large comfortable seats, you realise even on the inside, not much has changed. The plastics still aren’t of the best quality and the buttons feel flimsy.

SAME OLD LOOK On the outside not much has changed besides a thick bar that splits the grille in half

However, the interiors and design aside, what’s really interesting about the new Tata is the 2.2 engine. The difference between the refinement levels of the earlier 3.0 and the new 2.2 is evident as soon as you start the car. At idle, noise and vibration is much less on the new Safari and it feels a little more refined than the Mahindra Scorpio. What is clear is that the 2.2 doesn’t have the same low-rev responsiveness of the 3.0-litre, which in contrast, pulls with urgency from as low as 1200rpm. It’s not as responsive as the Scorpio CRDe either, and you miss that instantly-gratifying slug of torque you get in the Scorpio. However, though the 3.0-litre has more low-end torque, the 2.2 has a much smoother power delivery and a broader torque spread, which makes it much nicer to drive.

The reason for this is that the new Safari has a more sensible set of gear ratios as the earlier one had a ridiculously tall gearing in order to suit the 3-litre 3500 rpm limit. Tata has used an expensive variable vane turbo to take care of conflicting requirements of good response at low engine speeds and maximum thrust and boost at high speeds. The lag and vibration quickly disappear once the turbo comes into its stride and the Safari 2.2 pulls very strongly. There is a sharp step up in the amount of torque produced at 1500rpm, with almost 30kgm available at this speed, and this makes the Safari feel really light-footed and sprightly despite its 2.2-tonne kerb weight.

The car went from 0-100kph in 15.1 seconds which is much quicker than the older Safari with 3.0litre engine. The new car is also quite fast and speed went up to 156kph, which is pretty much as far as you would want to go anyway in a car so huge and heavy. The brakes and ABS system have also been upgraded; the 2.2 uses larger 302mm front discs the brakes have improved bite due to upgraded calipers and the ABS system works better than on the earlier car. Under hard braking, the Safari still wiggles but it is not as scary as before.

The new 2.2 performs better than the older Safari, is more refined and is also more fuel efficient. The 2.2 delivered 8.7kpl in the city and 13.1kpl on the highway. In addition, the new 4X4 Safari is good for off-road driving as well. Lots of clearance, a ‘Shift-on-the-fly’ four-wheel-drive system, along with a low range lets you go off-road with confidence. And, there’s more.

The Safari comes loaded with features and the higher VX variant offers dual airbags, ABS, reversing camera, DVD screens in the headrests, twin aircon units, seats that flip and fold and on this new version, a net to hold onto your luggage. A new instrument cluster when lit at night is also quite nice and the interiors lights that dim are a clever touch as well. The seats are really good, a large cabin with lots of space and these factors make the new Safari one of the most comfortable SUVs in the market.

The new 2.2 costs Rs. 17,000 more than the older Safari; which is a small amount for the amazing engine you get with the new car.

Technical data

Tata Safari2.2 DiCOR 4X4

Engine layout: 4 cyls in-line, 2179cc, common-rail turbo-diesel

Max Power: 140bhp at 4000rpm

Max Torque: 32.6kgm at 1700-2700rpm

Top Speed: 156kph

0-60: 5.76secs

0-100: 15.16secs

CFE: 10.9kpl

Fuel tank capacity: 65 litres

Boot capacity: 981 litres

Length: 4650mm

Width: 1918mm

Height: 1925mm

Wheelbase: 2650mm

Weight: 2040kg (4X2), 2170kg (4X4)

Ground clearance: 205mm